The search at Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell’s home entered a second day today. Police yesterday swooped on the couple’s property near Glasgow on Wednesday morning as part of an investigation into the SNP’s finances, with the party’s Edinburgh headquarters also searched.
Mr Murrell – the former chief executive of the SNP – was arrested before being released on Wednesday evening without charge, pending further investigation.
There was a flurry of activity by officers at the property yesterday and today as part of the probe into how £600,000, earmarked for an independence campaign, was spent.
A large blue police tent was erected in the front garden of the home the couple share.
Police were even spotted with with spades during the two-day search which has now ended.
But the dramatic focus on the property has sparked speculation about what the inside could look like.
The former Scottish First Minitser has been widely reported to own a “Naughty Nicola” portrait showing a cartoon effigy of her as a dominatrix in an eye-popping red outfit, black suspenders and a whip.
The painting by Scottish artist Laetitia Guilbaud is said to have been brought by Mr Murrell for £1,500 as a 39th birthday present.
It is not known if the saucy portait is currently hanging on the wall at her detached home.
When Ms Sturgeon was Scottish First Minister it was reported that the picture was at her official residence Bute House but she has now resigned.
Viewers got a glimpse inside Ms Sturgeon’s home when she welcomed Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid in for an interview in 2015.
A coffee machine believed to be a De’Longhi Prima Donna Avan was spotted on the kitchen counter.
Framed photos including of Ms Sturgeon and her husband were also seen on windowsills.
During the GMB interview, the then Scottish First Minister revealed her husband helps with the housework.
When Ms Reid commented on the immaculate condition of the home, Ms Sturgeon said: “That’s because I had my husband up most of last night cleaning.”
The former SNP leader also previously revealed Mr Murrell is in charge in the kitchen.
She said in 2012: “I don’t cook. Dinner would be interesting if I was to try to cook it. I have had lots of disasters and I now prefer not to try, but Peter is a good cook and he enjoys it. I am hopeless.”
The most recent glimpse inside Ms Sturgeon’s home came in 2021 when she launched the SNP’s manifesto from a conservatory during the Covid pandemic ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections.
In a statement yesterday, Police Scotland said: “A 58-year-old man who was arrested as a suspect earlier today, Wednesday, 5 April 2023, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party, has been released without charge pending further investigation.
“The man was questioned by Police Scotland detectives after he was arrested at 7.45am. He was released from custody at 6.57pm.
“Officers also carried out searches today at a number of addresses as part of the investigation.
“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“The matter remains active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.
“As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”
